Congress Goes to High School: Students Get a Firsthand Look at Debate Over School Choice
Rob Bluey /
Archbishop Carroll High School, a private Catholic school about four miles north of the U.S. Capitol, today took center stage in the debate over school choice.
“When parents have better choices, their kids have a better chance,” says @SenatorTimScott
More than 100 students joined teachers and parents in the high school’s auditorium to watch members of Congress spar over the effectiveness of the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program, which has provided financial support to about 6,000 low-income students in the District of Columbia.
Jordan Winston, a 17-year-old junior who serves as the school’s student council president, is one of the program’s beneficiaries. He had the honor of sharing the stage at Archbishop Carroll with some of America’s most powerful leaders.
Winston, a recipient of the scholarship since fifth grade, credits the program for his academic success. This morning, he quickly established a rapport with Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., who testified at the hearing. Winston said he enjoyed the hearing, especially the political debate between Republicans and Democrats.
“It’s a very important experience for our students to see what goes on and how different decisions are made,” Winston said. “It’s a positive and uplifting experience to see how our lives are being changed.”
Members of Congress conducted a field hearing on the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program at Archbishop Carroll High School. (Photo courtesy of House Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
Many D.C. scholarship recipients attend private Catholic schools like Archbishop Carroll, giving students and their parents an opportunity to observe a unique civics lesson on an issue that’s particularly personal.
House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, convened the field hearing at a time when the future of the program is once again being debated.
>>> Commentary: Students Thrive in D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program Obama Refuses to Fund
In this year’s budget proposal, the Obama administration has proposed eliminating funding for new scholarships. The Republican-led Congress is expected to counter that move later this year in legislation that would reauthorize the program.
Students got a first-hand glimpse of the debate this morning.
Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., voiced opposition to the program, at times prompting the auditorium to react unfavorably to their comments.
.@RepCummings:I don't understand how anyone can claim 2 b promoting the edu. of our children whn they are slashing billions frm edu. funds.
— Oversight Committee Democrats (@OversightDems) May 14, 2015
Norton called the program “undemocratic” and an “abuse of power” and asked Congress to let the District of Columbia decide how the money should be spent. She said current students should be allowed to continue receiving their scholarships, but wants to eliminate any future funding.
Private school vouchers shouldn't be imposed on DC by Congress. Our home-rule alternative to DCPS is a thriving public charter school system
— Eleanor #DCStatehood Holmes Norton (@EleanorNorton) May 14, 2015
Scott, who shared his own personal journey and story about dropping out of high school, offered a different vision. He encouraged lawmakers to look beyond their party labels to focus on what’s best for students. Families who participate in the program have an income under $21,000 on average, he said.
“When parents have better choices, their kids have a better chance,” Scott said.
The Republican senator cited data showing that students are better off when given the opportunity of school choice.
- 98 percent of recent scholarship recipients have gone on to two-year or four-year colleges.
- 93 percent of beneficiaries graduate on time, compared to 58 percent in D.C. public schools.
- D.C. public schools spend about $20,000 per pupil, while scholarship students attend private schools for $8,500 (or $12,000 in high school.
- A high school dropout earns about $19,000 in income, compared to $28,000 for a high school graduate and $52,000 for a college graduate.
After his testimony, Scott addressed Norton’s concerns.
“I’m excited that she supports the program. She wants to end the program, but she supports the current program,” Scott said. “We’re talking about the ability to unleash potential and end poverty. Why not here? Why not now?”
Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., after the hearing at Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Rob Bluey/The Daily Signal)
The hearing featured testimony from two scholars and two beneficiaries, a parent and former scholarship recipient.
Shirley-Ann Tomdio, 19, who currently attends George Washington University, told The Daily Signal she was honored to represent scholarship recipients at the hearing.
“These limitations that we have, whether it be financial or racial background, shouldn’t come in between us getting a great opportunity to learn and to achieve,” she said.
Her parents came to the United States from Cameroon. Her father, Ernest, attended the hearing with his wife. Three of his children have received scholarships.
“I’ve been fighting for the program since day one,” Earnest told The Daily Signal. “The program works. Before my kid went to private school, I fought for it. The door should be open to everyone.”
This article has been updated.